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If you’re a regular hearing aid user, or just getting your devices for the first time, you may be familiar with the term “hearing aid dome,” which is an important part of your device. Let’s get to know your hearing aid domes — what they’re used for, the different types, how they should fit, and how you can replace them when needed.
What’s a hearing aid dome used for?
A hearing aid dome is the soft, little bell-shaped piece of plastic that comes with your receiver-in-the-ear or behind-the-ear hearing device. This dome attaches to the tubing on the hearing aid and fits snugly inside your ear. A hearing aid dome helps direct the amplified sound from your hearing device directly into the ear canal.
This allows greater sound and frequency detection, with less unnecessary noise. However, hearing aid domes aren’t a one-size-fits-all accessory — it’s important to work with your hearing care provider to find the type of dome that’s right for you.
What are the different types of hearing aid domes?
Hearing aid domes typically come in three styles, each with its own purpose.
- Open domes have holes or openings to allow some natural noise to filter through to the ear canal. This allows some lower frequencies to dissipate, helping improve sound quality. Open domes are generally ideal for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
- Closed domes block more of the ear canal than an open dome, and help amplify low frequency sounds. These often work best for those with moderate hearing loss.
- Power domes provide a full seal around the ear canal, typically offering best results for those with severe hearing loss. They allow the maximum sound amplification with the least sound dissipation.
Oticon also offers custom molds and styles; check with your hearing care provider to discover which type is best for your hearing needs.
How do I know if my hearing aid domes fit properly?
Once you and your hearing care professional choose the right type of dome, the next step is choosing the right size. Domes come in a variety of sizes and diameters and, since everyone’s ears are different, it’s important to get the rightfit.
Your hearing aid dome should be just big enough that it forms a secure seal in your ear canal, but not so big that it’s uncomfortable or puts pressure on your ear. If your dome is too large, you may feel pain in your ear, voices may sound too deep, and the dome could even get lodged in your ear. If your dome is too small, it will be too easy to take in and out, it may fall out on its own, and will not provide the sound quality you need.
How do I change and replace my hearing aid domes?
Nervous about changing your hearing aid domes? You don’t need to be. Your domes are disposable and should be changed every one to two months, or when your hearing care professional recommends. Replacing them consistently means your devices will continue working at their best. Steps may vary according to your specific type and model, but the basic steps are as follows.
- With gloved hands for health safety, hold onto the hearing aid tube or speaker and gently pull off thedome.
- Insert the tube or speaker tip into the center of the new dome, and press firmly to ensure the dome is secure.
- That’s it! Learn more and watch our video on replacing hearing aid domes.
Need to purchase hearing aid domes or make an appointment with a hearing care provider? Try our hearing clinic locator tool!
FAQs
A hearing aid dome is the soft, little bell-shaped piece of plastic that comes with your receiver-in-the-ear or behind-the-ear hearing device. This dome attaches to the tubing on the hearing aid and fits snugly inside your ear.
Are hearing aid domes necessary? ›
Hearing aids with domes are best for those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, especially those with high-frequency hearing loss—the most common type of age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis. Hearing aids with domes are generally best for those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
How often should I change hearing aid domes? ›
You should change your domes every few months — regardless of your dome type. This helps keep your hearing aid working optimally, and it keeps the sound quality you hear daily at it's best. Even though your hearing domes need to be replaced every few months, you still also have to clean them regularly.
What is better a hearing aid dome or earmold? ›
Earmolds are usually best for hearing loss across the entire speech spectrum. People who are already accustomed to wearing hearing aids may prefer the earmold style, while first time hearing aid users often opt for hearing aid domes because they are more comfortable, have less occlusion, and are easily changed.
Why replace hearing aid domes? ›
Either way, domes need to be changed regularly in order for the sound quality to remain clear. All styles of domes, whether open, closed, or power, can be cleaned in between changes with a small brush or wax pick. Just use the brush regularly to remove wax and debris from the end of the hearing aid.
Can you lose a hearing aid dome in your ear? ›
This ensures that the domes do not come loose easily and remain in the ear. Even with the best hearing aid, the dome can come loose if the wrong dome is on it! It is important that the domes are replaced every 3 months. If the domes get too old they can lose their grip.
Which is better, single or double vent hearing aid domes? ›
Double-vented domes have the advantage of being less occlusive than the single-vented models. However, this makes them less efficient in reducing feedback in comparison to single-vented domes.
What is the best hearing aid on the market right now? ›
Our top pick: Jabra Enhance Select 300
The brand's latest hearing-aid design, the Jabra Enhance Select 30, takes everything we already loved about Jabra hearing aids -- rich sound quality, a lightweight design, and impressive battery life -- and cranks it up a notch.
What is the average lifespan of a hearing aid? ›
Depending on the style, some may last longer. In-the-ear hearing aids tend to last four to five years, while behind-the-ear hearing aids have a five to six year lifespan. This is due to the construction of the hearing aid, and the way they are worn.
Are tulip domes better than open domes? ›
Open dome: allows more natural sounds to pass through, giving you a more natural and clear sound, less bass, softer own voice, less chewing sounds, but more squeaking. Often recommended for low to moderate hearing loss. Closed dome (also applies to Tulip): closed domes generally provide ambient noise/noise.
Replace Your Inserts
Another reason your hearing aids may be falling out because of your inserts – too large, they won't go in your ears all the way, and too small, they won't stay in place. Alternatively, it may be the case that your inserts are too old.
How to choose a dome for hearing aid? ›
Dome Types
Your specific type of hearing loss will determine which style will work best for you. If your hearing loss is mild to moderate, an open dome might be the best option since the openings it features allow some natural sound to enter the ear canal along with the amplified sound.
Can you clean and reuse hearing aid domes? ›
Domes are also susceptible to damage from moisture or earwax, so they require regular cleaning. To care for them properly, you can purchase a hearing aid cleaning kit which would provide you the necessary tools to clean each component of your hearing aids.
What is the difference between closed and vented domes? ›
Closed domes: In contrast, closed domes (sometimes called vented or tulip) block more of the ear canal than open domes. Closed domes tend to reduce feedback, and help amplify low frequency sounds. The venting in these domes help to mitigate the occlusion effect.
Are hearing aid domes interchangeable between brands? ›
Are hearing aid domes interchangeable? While hearing aid domes should be changed regularly, that doesn't mean that any dome will do. Domes aren't always compatible across models and brands, and using a different size than your HCP recommends can lead to domes getting stuck in the ears.
Can you wear hearing aid without wax guard? ›
Without a wax guard, your hearing aid speakers could easily be damaged by all of that buildup, moisture, and debris.
Why use a tulip dome on hearing aid? ›
Tulip Domes are intended as replacement domes for hearing aids that use receivers to increase speech clarity and overall comfort.
